Irises for New Zealand Gardens Karen Glasgow (1996, Godwit Publishing Limted)
Written by the late Karen Glasgow, a former president of the New Zealand Iris Society, this book covers the immense scope of the genus iris, in so far as it is available to New Zealand gardeners.
There is a general description of the iris, the two forms- rhizomatous and bulbous irises, as well as of the flower and its parts and the foliage. Using irises in the garden, in borders, water gardens, woodland and rock gardens. There is a fascinating description of irises through the year for these are not just flowers of the early summer but can be found in every season.
This book will widen your understanding of the iris, and open your eyes to species and forms that many gardeners are unaware of. The iris family shows immense variation from the sun loved bearded to the water irises, from the giant of 2.om to the tiny I. reticulata, only centimetres high, that appear in late winter. All are covered here, family by family and with many inspiring and lovely photographs to help you identify them. Less commonly known irises are included - I. setosa and I. tectorum, were two that we found and were pleased to be able to identify with more confidence after reading Karen Glasgow's descriptions.
That book is written by a New Zealander, and one with an in-depth knowledge of her subject, and the species and varieties mentioned are available here and the practical notes relate to our gardening conditions makes it a valuable addition to your gardening library. We have one criticism, that the cultural notes so important to new and even experienced gardeners are hard to find, and in some cases, not present, for some of the irises covered. This is a shame, as 'Irises for the New Zealand Gardener' is a lovely and worthwhile addition to the gardening library of those interested in or enthusiastic about this family of lovely flowers.
